18 cracking spots in Camden, as recommended by locals

Camden isn’t all joss sticks, teenagers and aging punks, you know. Our local experts, the Time Out Tastemakers, pick the best places to visit in NW1.

Best breakfast or brunch

‘The Diner has just launched an updated menu with new vegan options, and the vegan pancakes are 10/10.’ LeeLee Seah

Best cheap eat

‘A kati roll from Kolkati at Kerb market. It’s a freshly baked naan bread, stuffed with deliciously spiced Indian goodness.’ Manmeet Singh

Best dinner

‘Thanh Binh Vietnamese restaurant on Chalk Farm Road has been going for well over 20 years. It’s family-run by Camden locals. I heart this place.’ Mandy Dassa

‘Laz Camden, a Turkish restaurant with a fabulous bar. Their çökertme is better than the one I had in Izmir.’ Valisa Iskandar

‘Definitely The Cheese Bar! One for the dairy fans – a cheese lover’s dream.’ Gabrielle Casey

Best place for tea

‘Pamban Chai and Coffee House. They have traditional tea and coffee from Sri Lanka and India in unique flavours such as rose and saffron! My favourite is the house chai: it goes so well with the traditional Sri Lankan love cake.’ Leena Shah

Best pub

‘The Lock Tavern is hands-down the best place. I love their beer garden.’ Mandy Dassa

‘The Bucks Head does excellent nachos, not to mention awesome gigs in a small and intimate space. Last year they hosted one of my favourite bands, and it was so popular we barely fit into the room! It was such an awesome night.’ Vera Sugár

Best place to shop

‘Half Hitch Gin shop and distillery in the Lock Market. They sell one thing: the best gin in London!’ Mandy Dassa

‘Cyberdog is the best retail experience in the whole wide world.’ Manmeet Singh

Best place for fun

‘The Museum of Happiness: great workshops and a lovely atmosphere.’ Noni Papp

‘Koko: the most atmospheric club and gig venue in London, in a theatre that’s over 100 years old.’ Iza Kawecka

‘The Blues Kitchen! Food, killer drinks and live music? Yes please!’ LeeLee Seah

Best place for a date

‘Head to Kerb food market, grab something delicious (maybe halloumi fries!) then wander down to the canal and go on a boat ride towards Little Venice.’ Sophie Berkoff

Best place to relax

‘Camden Lock on a sunny day, with a drink in hand, watching the narrowboats go by.’
Edelyn Brawidjojo

Best thing to do

‘Catch a gig at The Lock Tavern or Camden Assembly.’ Noni Papp

Best thing to see

‘The wacky shop façades that can consist of anything from giant shoes to a Ganesha head.’ Manmeet Singh